Karim Benzema is ‘more complete’ than Thierry Henry, says Sidney Govou

Karim Benzema’s former Lyon team-mate Sidney Govou has lavished praise on the Real Madrid striker, claiming that he is a ‘more complete’ player than former Arsenal and France star Thierry Henry.

Benzema has impressed as Real beat arch rivals Barcelona to the LaLiga crown, scoring 21 goals in 37 league matches.

Prior to his move to the LaLiga giants back in 2009, the forward played for Lyon for five years alongside Govou, who has now compared him to France‘s legendary striker Henry.

Karim Benzema has impressed as Real Madrid beat arch rivals Barcelona to the LaLiga title

Benzema’s former Lyon team-mate Sidney Govou has lavished praise on the Real striker

‘I think he has largely the level of Thierry,’ Govou told L’Equipe. 

‘Thierry really impressed me because he was not only a fast player but he had the ball. But Karim is more complete.

‘He also has a kind of presence because he is smaller and less athletic. Karim has always been a top player. If you love football, it’s impossible not to love him.’

Govou has claimed Benzema is ‘more complete’ than legendary striker Thierry Henry

Benzema scored four times in his last four LaLiga matches, including both goals in Real’s 2-1 win over Villarreal last Thursday which secured the domestic crown.

Real president Florentino Perez called for the 32-year-old striker to win the Ballon d’Or following his brace last week.

‘Benzema should be the Ballon d’Or,’ he said. ‘I have not seen any player have as good a year as him.’ 

However there will now be no winner of the 2020 edition of the prestigious prize as it has been cancelled for the first time since it was launched in 1956.

Govou and Benzema played together for five years at Lyon before the latter moved to Spain